University of Delaware AI Policy for College Applications
Policy Changed Since September 2025
Permission: L0 (unchanged)
Disclosure: D2 → D0 (Unknown policy)
Enforcement: E1 → E0 (Unknown policy)
This school updated their AI admissions policy between our September 2025 and February 2026 reviews.
Quick Answer: Can you use AI at University of Delaware?
University of Delaware has no explicit AI policy for admissions essays. While not explicitly prohibited, the lack of clear guidance means students should be cautious.
Disclosure: University of Delaware does not require disclosure of AI use in admissions materials.
Enforcement: University of Delaware has not indicated how they check for AI use in admissions essays.
Last verified: 2026-02-17 • Confidence: High
What This Means For Your Application
✓Generally Safe
- Grammar and spell-checking tools
- Getting human feedback on drafts
✗Avoid
- Submitting AI-generated paragraphs as your own
💡No explicit policy doesn't mean AI is allowed — err on the side of caution
Policy Evidence
University General Policy
“No AI-specific admissions essay policy found on admissions website or application pages”
— Undergraduate Admissions | University of Delaware(Verified: Feb 2026)
Sources Verified
All sources checked (13)
Policy Sources:
Additional Sources Checked:
- https://www.udel.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/
- https://www.udel.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/apply-to-ud/freshman-admissions/
- https://www.udel.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/apply-to-ud/preparing-to-apply/
- https://www.udel.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/explore-majors-and-enrichment/honors/
- https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/grad/prospective-students/grad-admissions/application-essays/
- https://www.udel.edu/home/artificial-intelligence/
- https://writingcenter.udel.edu/about/generative-ai-policy-statement/
- https://services.udel.edu/TDClient/32/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=1149
- https://services.udel.edu/TDClient/32/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=1150
- https://www.udel.edu/students/support/community-standards/academic-integrity/
- https://www.udel.edu/students/support/community-standards/academic-integrity/faculty-resources/
- https://www.cehd.udel.edu/artificial-intelligence-in-teaching-and-learning/
Policy History
| Date | Permission | Disclosure | Enforcement | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-17 (current) | L0 | D0 | E0 | High |
| 2025-09-19 | L0 | D2 | E1 | High |
Additional Context
University of Delaware has no explicit AI policy for admissions essays. UD has extensive AI guidelines for enrolled students and academic coursework (IT guidelines, Writing Center AI policy, AI for Teaching and Learning Working Group), but none reference admissions applicants or application materials. The 'Preparing to Apply' page offers essay tips ('We want to hear from you') without mentioning AI. Academic integrity policies reference generative AI as a violation criterion for enrolled students only. The Lerner College notes that graduate program essays are 'reviewed for originality' but does not mention AI. Previous D2/E1 ratings were based on academic work policies for enrolled students, not admissions-specific guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Delaware allow ChatGPT for essays?
Do I need to disclose AI use to University of Delaware?
How does University of Delaware check for AI?
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